Frequently asked questions

At Ear Suction Hawke’s Bay we make things easy. Only we:

Make it really easy to get an early appointment

Are so easy to contact

Have six clinic locations across Hawke’s Bay

Below we answer some of your most common questions about ear wax, micro suctioning, treatment, costs, ear protection plugs, and more. If we have missed your question. Use the Ask the Ear Expert on our homepage, or email Nick and we will answer your enquiry directly.

Ear wax

What is ear wax?Ear wax, known cerumen, is produced inside your ears in glands at the base of the tympanic membrane (ear drum) to keep them clean and free of germs. It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly aided by chewing and jaw movement.

Is ear wax a bad or good thing?Ear wax protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water. So, in fact, ear wax can be a good thing. However, for some whose ears produce a larger amount of wax, ear wax remains in the ear canal which will become blocked, which leads to them having reduced hearing ability and also a blocked feeling in the ear and often, tinnitus and ear infections.

Can I put off having my ear wax removed?That’s not really a good idea. A build-up of excessive ear wax will often lead to increasing pain, severe loss of hearing, headaches, numbness down the side of the face and neck, tinnitus and sometimes a nasty infection.

If I have my wax removed will I just produce more to compensate?No because we leave a natural layer of ear wax around the ear canal so your body doesn’t get busy making more ear wax.

What happens if it’s not wax and you notice something in my ear?Assuming it’s not something easily removed like a broken off cotton bud or an insect we will refer you to your GP who may then refer you in turn to an ENT specialist.

Credentials

Is your nurse a registered nurse?Yes, Anne Roberts has 27 years’ experience as a registered nurse.

I’ve heard that some ear nurses are inexperienced and have caused problems. Do you have any like that?No, definitely not, we only use Anne Roberts to make sure you get the best possible, safest treatment. This also means that Anne, after your first appointment, will know you and your circumstances and what’s best for you.

Safety

Is micro suction safe?Micro suction is the safest and most comfortable method of ear wax removal, no liquids are used during the procedure, which means there is no fuss or mess during the procedure. The fact we can clearly see the ear canal and more importantly exactly what we are doing, makes it an exceptionally safe procedure. It is a comfortable process with the appointment normally taking no longer than 15 minutes.

Is your equipment clean?Yes, all equipment is sterilised before and after use.

Do you have professional indemnity insurance if something goes wrong?Yes, we do. Our professional indemnity insurance is arranged through Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Treatment, fees and bookings

Will I see the same nurse every time?Yes, you will see our experienced and highly trained Ear Nurse Practitioner, Anne Roberts, on each and every visit.

How much does your micro suction cost?Please refer to our current prices on our webpage Services and Fees.

Where can I visit to get micro suction treatment?Please refer to our current clinic locations on our webpage Contact Us and Clinic Locations. Hastings is our busiest clinic for ear wax removal by microsuction.

I work long hours during the week, how can I get treatment?We can see you on Saturday morning, or can arrange an after-hours visit.

The firm where I normally get my ear wax removed is very busy and often and I cannot get an appointment. How long will you take to sort me out?No one should have to suffer discomfort, pain, or hearing loss from blocked ears. One of our guarantees is that if you don’t get your ear wax removed within a week you don’t have to pay, your treatment will be completely free!

I am on ACC, do I get cheaper treatment?Yes, please refer to our current prices on our webpage Services and Fees.

I am a war veteran, do I get free treatment?Yes, your treatment is completely free.

My mother is in a rest home, how can she get treatment?We do home visits. To arrange a home visit call Nick on 021 225 6425 or email Nick. You can call us anytime from 8am to 7pm every day except Sunday.

I am housebound and cannot get in to see you. Can I still get treatment?Yes, most certainly, we do home visits. To arrange a home visit call Nick on 021 225 6425 or email Nick. You can call us anytime from 8am to 7pm every day except Sunday.

Treatment times and our guarantees

Supposing I come in for treatment but you don’t find excessive ear wax. Do I still have to pay?No, we offer a “No Wax, No Fee” guarantee which means that if there is no ear wax to remove you don’t have to pay.

Supposing I need follow-up treatment, will I have to pay more for this?Because of our expertise, it’s very rare that follow-up treatment is required. In any case, our follow-up treatment is free.

I have to get treated regularly. Do I get any discount for frequent appointments?Yes, if you get treatment four times in a 12 month period your fourth treatment is free.

What if I am unhappy with your service?In the very unlikely event you are unhappy, we offer our 100% no quibble fee guarantee. So if you were truly unhappy with our services you don’t have to pay.

Micro suction and removing wax

What is micro suction?Micro suction ear wax removal is undertaken using a microscope and a medical suction device. A wand-type extension is fitted to the end of the suction tube which allows Anne, our Ear Nurse Specialist, to gently remove the ear wax from your canal.

Why is it safer and better than ear syringing?Pressure in the ear canal can from ear syringing cause irritation and pain. Wax can be forced onto the ear drum, it’s a messy and time consuming process. But most of all, if you have every suffered an ear drum perforation (a whole in the ear drum) or have scarring on the ear drum from repetitive ear infections pressure in this area is definitely is not advised as the membrane is likely to be compromised already.

Does micro suction hurt?No. At worst you will experience a slight buzzing in the ear and a tickling feeling. It’s nothing like going to the dentist!

How long does micro suction take?Normally no more than 15 minutes.

How often should I have micro suction done?It really depends on you as individuals produce varying amounts and types of wax and have different shaped ear canals. We will advise you how often you should have your ears suctioned.

Can anyone do micro suction?No, in New Zealand you have to be a doctor, an audiologist or a registered nurse who has completed a training course specific to micro suction.

If I have an ear infection will you able to see it?Yes, an outer ear infection presents itself with an inflamed area canal wall that is often tender and pink. There is often a level of wetness and build-up of debris depending upon what stage the ear infection has reached.

Children

Some firms are not seeing children, do you?Yes we do. Our Ear Nurse Practitioner Anne is really great with children.

Is micro suction safe for children?Most certainly. We understand that problems are only arisen with micro suctioning for children when the nurses are inexperienced.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ear Protection Plugs

How do I know which class of ear protection plugs I need? You will need to arrange a noise survey of your workplace or the environment which is harmful to your hearing to make sure you get the correct class of ear plugs. Using a class of ear plugs at too low a level could result in permanent damage to your ears. On the other hand, using a class of ear plugs at too high a level could also be inadvisable if you cannot hear other sounds such as audible alarms’ or conversation from workmates if it means you remove the ear protection plugs to hear what is going on around you.

How do I ensure that my earplugs fit properly and snugly?Assuming you have purchased our custom fitted ear protection plugs, they should fit you perfectly unless you have too much ear wax and you have declined our microsuction service (a rapid and safe procedure at low cost) to remove the ear wax. Over time, the ear plugs may not fit due to anatomical changes in your ear canal or normal wear and tear.

How do I wear and use my ear protection plugs?Each of your hearing protectors is marked with red or blue detail. The earpiece with red detail fits the right ear, and the one with blue detail fits the left ear. Hold the hearing protector by the non-business end and then insert into the ear canal twisting it backwards while applying slight pressure. Press the ear protector until it fits comfortably in your ear. Where your hearing protectors have a grip, hold the grip when inserting the earpieces.

To remove the ear protector, grip the hearing protectors and twist in a forward motion while pulling gently from the ear. NEVER remove by pulling on the (optional) connection cord or the cable (Communicator variant only).

How do I clean and maintain my ear protection plugs?Use a clean moist cloth or sterile wipe to clean the ear mould parts of the plugs. Visually inspect each earpiece to check that no earwax, skin debris or dirt has penetrated the sound ducts. Use the provided wire loop to carefully remove any foreign matter.

Always return the ear protection plugs to the carry case when not in use and keep away from moisture, heat or direct sunlight. Do not immerse the filters in the ear plugs in any liquids.

What if my ear protection plugs need a more thorough clean in water?The filter can be removed by gently squeezing the ear mould around the filter until it pops out. That way, the ear moulds can be thoroughly cleaned in warm, soapy water. After cleaning, ensure the ear moulds are completely dry before reinserting the filters. When replacing the filters, ensure that the ACS logo is visible on the outside of the earpiece.

When should I replace my earplugs?If you care and maintain for your plugs properly they should last for 4 years. Beyond that, because ears never stop growing their shape can change over time and of course, general wear and tear could mean the plugs not fitting as snugly as they did when new.